The entire air crops existing helicopter fleet needs to be replaced with eight super-medium helicopters by the end of 2028, according to the recommendations of the newly released report of the commission on the defence forces
The report suggested that the army air corps be supplied by May 2025 with two additional medium lift rotary-wing aircraft and a strategic reach fixed wing aircraft.
The additional aircraft are to enhance Defence Forces support and priority ATCA taskings (a ground-based safety net intended to assist the controller in preventing collision between aircraft).
In the longer term, the report proposes:
- a squadron of jet combat aircraft for interception duty
- combat aircraft, pilots, and support personnel be deployed abroad for intra-theatre mobility
- military radar capabilities be delivered by mid-2028
- an air force reserve be recruited by the end of 2028.
The proposed squadron of jet combat aircraft, along with associated operational, infrastructure, and support arrangements, are part of a national air defence plan, to revert to government for consideration in 2028.
n international duty, the report says that the air corps should consider deploying combat aircraft, pilots, and support personnel for intra-theatre mobility using tactical transport helicopters, including helicopter combat search and rescue capabilities. Deployed forces would also have an organic helicopter combat SAR capability armed and equipped to operate in hostile environments; revert to Government for consideration 2028.
Outside of the air corps recommendations, the report proposes personnel be increased by 2,000 (civil and military) to reach a new permanent defence force establishment of 11,500, with 4,500 reserve defence force personnel by 2024. Full report here:
